ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf
1. Which condition refers to the heart being unable to pump sufficient blood to meet the body's needs?
- A. Heart failure
- B. Myocardial infarction
- C. Cardiomyopathy
- D. Pericarditis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, heart failure. This condition occurs when the heart can't pump enough blood to fulfill the body's requirements. Myocardial infarction (choice B) is the medical term for a heart attack, which is caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries. Cardiomyopathy (choice C) is a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood. Pericarditis (choice D) is the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac-like membrane surrounding the heart, and does not specifically involve the heart's inability to pump sufficient blood.
2. What is a condition where the heart beats too slowly, reducing the amount of blood pumped to the body?
- A. Bradycardia
- B. Tachycardia
- C. Atrial fibrillation
- D. Ventricular fibrillation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Bradycardia is the correct answer. It is a condition characterized by a slow heart rate, which reduces the amount of blood pumped to the body. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue and dizziness. Choice B, Tachycardia, is the opposite condition where the heart beats too fast. Choices C and D, Atrial fibrillation and Ventricular fibrillation, refer to irregular and potentially life-threatening rapid heart rhythms involving the atria and ventricles respectively, not a slow heart rate.
3. What type of medication is used to reduce inflammation in the airways and prevent asthma attacks?
- A. Corticosteroid
- B. Bronchodilator
- C. Antihistamine
- D. Mucolytic
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are medications that work by reducing inflammation in the airways, helping to prevent asthma attacks and manage chronic respiratory conditions. Bronchodilators (choice B) work by relaxing the muscles around the airways to make breathing easier, but they do not primarily target inflammation. Antihistamines (choice C) are used to treat allergic reactions and do not directly target airway inflammation. Mucolytics (choice D) help to break down and thin mucus in the airways but do not reduce inflammation.
4. What is a condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally enlarged, thickened, or stiffened, often leading to heart failure?
- A. Cardiomyopathy
- B. Pericarditis
- C. Aortic stenosis
- D. Mitral valve prolapse
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Cardiomyopathy is the correct answer. It is a condition characterized by the abnormal enlargement, thickening, or stiffening of the heart muscle, which can lead to heart failure. Pericarditis (choice B) is inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, not directly related to heart muscle enlargement. Aortic stenosis (choice C) is the narrowing of the aortic valve opening, affecting blood flow from the heart, but not directly related to heart muscle enlargement. Mitral valve prolapse (choice D) is a condition where the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle doesn't close properly, causing blood to leak backward, and is not directly related to heart muscle enlargement.
5. What is the condition where the blood vessels that supply blood to the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, causing pain and difficulty walking?
- A. Peripheral artery disease
- B. Raynaud's disease
- C. Varicose veins
- D. Pulmonary embolism
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is a condition where the blood vessels that supply blood to the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, leading to decreased blood flow, pain, and difficulty walking, especially during physical activity. Raynaud's disease (choice B) is characterized by vasospasms in the fingers and toes, causing them to turn white or blue. Varicose veins (choice C) are enlarged, twisted veins usually found in the legs. Pulmonary embolism (choice D) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, often caused by a blood clot.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access
ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access